Upgrade envy has drivers trading in cars as often as iPhones, from Automotive News.
Mike Fine was perfectly happy with his 2011 Nissan Xterra. Then he got a look at his son’s ride.
The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee was packed with technology: a touchscreen loaded with apps, Bluetooth, all-wheel drive and push-button start. The Nissan had none of those. Fine did what any self-respecting father would do: He ditched the 4-year-old Nissan SUV for his own Grand Cherokee.
“Compared to the Xterra, this is a comfortable space shuttle,” said Fine, who lives in Hingham, Mass.
Upgrade envy has helped Apple Inc. sell millions of pricey iPhones. Now, it’s the auto industry’s turn, thanks to a raft of new technologies that make cars safer and easier to drive. Must-have features like parking assist and wireless Web access have helped automakers recover from the 2009 bust and charge record prices for their vehicles.
The new gadgetry and falling oil prices are spurring demand. This year, automakers are expected to sell 16.9 million vehicles, for a sixth consecutive year of growth.